Let me state right out that I am a sucker for dog movies. I still can’t get over My Dog Skip. I learned valuable lifelong lessons from Old Yeller. I consider Lassie a personal friend. I took selfies at the Oscar nominees luncheon with Messi, the French border collie I was pushing for Best Supporting Actor from Anatomy of a Fall. So yes, I am probably the right audience for the latest in the genre, Arthur the King, and its title star.
However, for about the first 55 minutes or so, Arthur the King is hardly about the dog at all, but rather the extreme physical competition of adventure racing, most particularly the 2018 World Championship taking place in the Dominican Republic. The focus is on frustrated competitor Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), who never never won the big prize and is determined not to give up. This time he has put...
However, for about the first 55 minutes or so, Arthur the King is hardly about the dog at all, but rather the extreme physical competition of adventure racing, most particularly the 2018 World Championship taking place in the Dominican Republic. The focus is on frustrated competitor Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), who never never won the big prize and is determined not to give up. This time he has put...
- 3/13/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025, and Lionsgate just released a new public service announcement (PSA) entitled "Best Friends Animal Society X “Arthur the King’s” Ukai & Mark Wahlberg."
You can watch the video here.
Sharing the message ahead of Arthur the King’s film release, the film stars Mark Wahlberg and Ukai spread awareness for the incredible dogs and cats in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving homes of their very own. Throughout the PSA, faces of shelter animals looking for loving homes, dogs and cats adventuring with human caregivers, and clips and audio from the upcoming film making a dynamic case for pet adoption.
“Arthur the King is the inspiring true story about a dog who overcame overwhelming adversity to find his person and a loving home,” said Greta Palmer,...
You can watch the video here.
Sharing the message ahead of Arthur the King’s film release, the film stars Mark Wahlberg and Ukai spread awareness for the incredible dogs and cats in shelters nationwide waiting to find loving homes of their very own. Throughout the PSA, faces of shelter animals looking for loving homes, dogs and cats adventuring with human caregivers, and clips and audio from the upcoming film making a dynamic case for pet adoption.
“Arthur the King is the inspiring true story about a dog who overcame overwhelming adversity to find his person and a loving home,” said Greta Palmer,...
- 2/9/2024
- Look to the Stars
Almost two years ago, Netflix paid a reported $65 million for the rights to Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels’ (Precious, The Butler) possession horror movie The Deliverance. This morning we’ve finally learned through Netflix’s “What’s Next” announcement that the buzzy horror title is finally set to make a 2024 debut.
About The Deliverance: “When Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mom, moves her mother and children into a new home, strange occurrences begin to happen, and child protective services, suspects Ebony of child abuse. But when these occurrences reveal to be demonic, Ebony not only has to battle the system for her children, but she soon finds herself in a spiritual battle against a demon for her faith, her life, and for the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story.”
The horror movie has quite the impressive cast, too.
Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’nique, Anthony B. Jenkins, Miss Lawrence,...
About The Deliverance: “When Ebony Jackson, a struggling single mom, moves her mother and children into a new home, strange occurrences begin to happen, and child protective services, suspects Ebony of child abuse. But when these occurrences reveal to be demonic, Ebony not only has to battle the system for her children, but she soon finds herself in a spiritual battle against a demon for her faith, her life, and for the souls of her children. Inspired by a true story.”
The horror movie has quite the impressive cast, too.
Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’nique, Anthony B. Jenkins, Miss Lawrence,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
The official trailer for Arthur the King has been released. The film starring Mark Wahlberg will be in theaters on March 22, 2024!
Synopsis: Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, Arthur the King follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.
About The Film
Genre: Adventure Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, with Bear Grylls as Himself, and Paul Guilfoyle Director: Simon Cellan Jones Screenplay: Michael Brandt Producer: Tucker Tooley, Mark Canton,...
Synopsis: Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, Arthur the King follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.
About The Film
Genre: Adventure Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, with Bear Grylls as Himself, and Paul Guilfoyle Director: Simon Cellan Jones Screenplay: Michael Brandt Producer: Tucker Tooley, Mark Canton,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Exclusive: Den of Thieves 2: Pantera has rounded out its cast, bringing on 11 international talents to star opposite the returning Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. The list includes Salvatore Esposito (Gomorrah), Orli Shuka (Gangs of London), Evin Ahmad (Who Is Erin Carter?), Cristian Solimeno (The Glass Man), Nazmiye Oral (Propaganda), Yasen Zates Atour (The Witcher), Giuseppe Schillaci (Romulus), Dino Kelly (Peaky Blinders), Rico Verhoeven (Black Lotus), Velibor Topic (Outside the Wire) and Antonio Bustorff (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One).
(L-r) Rico Verhoeven, Velibor Topić and Antonio Bustorff
Wrapping principal photography on July 5th — a little more than a week prior to the launch of the SAG-AFTRA strike — Pantera marks the sequel to Den of Thieves, the action thriller from writer-director Christian Gudegast which grossed nearly $45M stateside and more than $80M WW via STX in 2018. The original film watches as a group from the L.
(L-r) Rico Verhoeven, Velibor Topić and Antonio Bustorff
Wrapping principal photography on July 5th — a little more than a week prior to the launch of the SAG-AFTRA strike — Pantera marks the sequel to Den of Thieves, the action thriller from writer-director Christian Gudegast which grossed nearly $45M stateside and more than $80M WW via STX in 2018. The original film watches as a group from the L.
- 8/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
THR reports that Michael Bisping has joined the cast of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, the long-awaited action sequel starring Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
The outlet reports that the UFC champ will be reprising his role of Connor, who was seen at the end of the first movie. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera will find Big Nick (Butler) back on the hunt on the mean streets of Europe, closing in on Donnie (Jackson Jr.), who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange. Christian Gudegast has returned to write and direct Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, and production is currently underway.
In addition to Den of Thieves 2, Michael Bisping can be seen in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, Triple Threat, Warrior, and Twin Peaks. He will also...
The outlet reports that the UFC champ will be reprising his role of Connor, who was seen at the end of the first movie. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera will find Big Nick (Butler) back on the hunt on the mean streets of Europe, closing in on Donnie (Jackson Jr.), who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange. Christian Gudegast has returned to write and direct Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, and production is currently underway.
In addition to Den of Thieves 2, Michael Bisping can be seen in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, Triple Threat, Warrior, and Twin Peaks. He will also...
- 7/6/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
UFC champ Michael Bisping has jumped on board Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, where he will star opposite fellow returning actors Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Bisping will reprise his role as Connor in the sequel after also doing a star turn in Millennium’s upcoming Red Sonja movie. His other credits include xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, Twin Peaks, Warrior, Never Back Down: Revolt and Triple Threat.
Bisping can also be seen in the documentary feature Bisping for Universal, and he also does UFC onscreen color commentating and has expanded into unscripted series like the competition series Hyperdrive for Netflix.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, written and directed by Christian Gudegast, began production in the U.K. and Canary Islands in April, with the cameras set to roll through June.
The sequel picks up with Big Nick tracking down bad guys on the streets of Europe and...
Bisping will reprise his role as Connor in the sequel after also doing a star turn in Millennium’s upcoming Red Sonja movie. His other credits include xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, Twin Peaks, Warrior, Never Back Down: Revolt and Triple Threat.
Bisping can also be seen in the documentary feature Bisping for Universal, and he also does UFC onscreen color commentating and has expanded into unscripted series like the competition series Hyperdrive for Netflix.
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, written and directed by Christian Gudegast, began production in the U.K. and Canary Islands in April, with the cameras set to roll through June.
The sequel picks up with Big Nick tracking down bad guys on the streets of Europe and...
- 7/6/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The disappearance of the mysterious figure who created Bitcoin is the subject of a CBC feature documentary.
Searching For Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator comes from Paul Kemp Productions, with All3Media International producing in association and taking distribution rights. It will premiere on CBC’s doc strand ‘The Passionate Eye’ late this year.
Satoshi Nakamoto is the presumed pseudonym of the secretive inventor of Bitcoin. They launched the cryptocurrency in 2009, which spread like wildfire across the world and transformed the way many people interact with money and currencies. Less than two years after its inception, Nakamoto vanished, seemingly without a trace.
Searching For Satoshi is billed as “a global detective story” told in a cinematic style. The doc will explore clues Nakamoto left and identify five candidates who may be the enigmatic character, two dead and three alive. There will also be expert commentary from authors,...
Searching For Satoshi: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Bitcoin Creator comes from Paul Kemp Productions, with All3Media International producing in association and taking distribution rights. It will premiere on CBC’s doc strand ‘The Passionate Eye’ late this year.
Satoshi Nakamoto is the presumed pseudonym of the secretive inventor of Bitcoin. They launched the cryptocurrency in 2009, which spread like wildfire across the world and transformed the way many people interact with money and currencies. Less than two years after its inception, Nakamoto vanished, seemingly without a trace.
Searching For Satoshi is billed as “a global detective story” told in a cinematic style. The doc will explore clues Nakamoto left and identify five candidates who may be the enigmatic character, two dead and three alive. There will also be expert commentary from authors,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As production on his new actioner Den of Thieves 2: Pantera continues, Christian Gudegast has been set to write and direct a new film on mixed martial artist Royce Gracie and the birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship for frequent partner Tucker Tooley Entertainment.
The Untitled Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Project takes place on the night that Gracie proved Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as the most effective fighting style, one that would ultimately become a major component of today’s UFC mixed martial arts. It more specifically chronicles Gracie’s debut in UFC 1 on November 12, 1993, when the fighter achieved the unthinkable during the organization’s inaugural competition. This night that had him besting three competitors is considered to be that on which the UFC was born.
Derived from Japanese jiu-jitsu, which is rooted in samurai traditions, Gracie Jiu-jitsu formed in Brazil in the 1920s when Japanese fighter Mitsuyo Maeda moved from Japan to...
The Untitled Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Project takes place on the night that Gracie proved Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as the most effective fighting style, one that would ultimately become a major component of today’s UFC mixed martial arts. It more specifically chronicles Gracie’s debut in UFC 1 on November 12, 1993, when the fighter achieved the unthinkable during the organization’s inaugural competition. This night that had him besting three competitors is considered to be that on which the UFC was born.
Derived from Japanese jiu-jitsu, which is rooted in samurai traditions, Gracie Jiu-jitsu formed in Brazil in the 1920s when Japanese fighter Mitsuyo Maeda moved from Japan to...
- 5/23/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Briarcliff Entertainment is hitting the streets of Europe for an action-packed sequel to 2018’s Den of Thieves. The studio acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the action thriller Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, with Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) reprising their roles as Big Nick and Donnie, respectively. The sequel, written and directed by Christian Gudegast, “will take audiences on a breakneck, intense ride through the streets of Europe.” Briarcliff aims to release Den of Thieves 2: Pantera in theaters nationwide in Q4 of 2024.
Here’s the official synopsis for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera:
In Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Big Nick is back on the hunt on the mean streets of Europe, closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange.
Here’s the official synopsis for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera:
In Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Big Nick is back on the hunt on the mean streets of Europe, closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange.
- 5/17/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Christian Gudegast’s action thriller sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera which stars Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. reprising their respective roles of “Big Nick” and “Donnie”. A wide theatrical release is planned for Q4 of 2024.
Gudegast also wrote the screenplay for the production which was financed by eOne and Tucker Tooley Entertainment.
In the sequel, Big Nick is back on the hunt on the mean-streets of Europe closing in on Donnie who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange. The original 2018 movie, also directed and written by Gudegast, and released by STX, made a near $45M stateside and over $80M WW.
“We are tremendous fans of Gerard Butler, who we’ve worked with numerous times, and are so...
Gudegast also wrote the screenplay for the production which was financed by eOne and Tucker Tooley Entertainment.
In the sequel, Big Nick is back on the hunt on the mean-streets of Europe closing in on Donnie who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange. The original 2018 movie, also directed and written by Gudegast, and released by STX, made a near $45M stateside and over $80M WW.
“We are tremendous fans of Gerard Butler, who we’ve worked with numerous times, and are so...
- 5/17/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peacock is developing drama series Queen of Flow, a premium adaptation of Caracol Television’s Colombian telenovela, La Reina Del Flow. Jorge Reyes is attached to pen the script for the project, from Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. Singer and actress Becky G is in early negotiations to lead the series, Deadline understands.
Queen of Flow is a revenge tale/music drama about a young singer-songwriter named Yeimi — the role Becky G is in talks for — who rises to fame in the music world and finds a star-crossed love with the superstar scion of a powerful family. But on her rise to the top, dark secrets are discovered about both Yeimi and the family she’s made her own that set them on a collision course towards a reckoning that could destroy them all.
The premise is described as a “Count of Monte Cristo-esque tale...
Queen of Flow is a revenge tale/music drama about a young singer-songwriter named Yeimi — the role Becky G is in talks for — who rises to fame in the music world and finds a star-crossed love with the superstar scion of a powerful family. But on her rise to the top, dark secrets are discovered about both Yeimi and the family she’s made her own that set them on a collision course towards a reckoning that could destroy them all.
The premise is described as a “Count of Monte Cristo-esque tale...
- 3/29/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Omar Epps and Demi Singleton are among the latest cast additions to “The Deliverance,” Lee Daniels’ demonic possession feature for Netflix.
Also boarding the project are Miss Lawrence and Anthony B. Jenkins. The previously announced cast includes Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin, Tasha Smith and Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for her performance in Daniels’ 2009 film “Precious.” The film will also see Singleton reunite with her “King Richard” co-star and onscreen mother, Ellis.
“The Deliverance,” formerly titled “Demon House,” is based on the stories of Latoya Ammons and her family, who claim to have been possessed by demons and tormented by other supernatural forces in their Gary, Indiana, home. Per the film’s logline: “A mother fights for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.”
Also Read:
Lee Daniels to Direct Thriller ‘Demon House’
Along with Daniels,...
Also boarding the project are Miss Lawrence and Anthony B. Jenkins. The previously announced cast includes Andra Day, Glenn Close, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin, Tasha Smith and Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for her performance in Daniels’ 2009 film “Precious.” The film will also see Singleton reunite with her “King Richard” co-star and onscreen mother, Ellis.
“The Deliverance,” formerly titled “Demon House,” is based on the stories of Latoya Ammons and her family, who claim to have been possessed by demons and tormented by other supernatural forces in their Gary, Indiana, home. Per the film’s logline: “A mother fights for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.”
Also Read:
Lee Daniels to Direct Thriller ‘Demon House’
Along with Daniels,...
- 7/14/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Lee Daniels has tapped Omar Epps, Demi Singleton, Miss Lawrence and Anthony B. Jenkins to join the cast of his upcoming exorcism thriller “The Deliverance” for Netflix.
The group joins previously announced stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin and Tasha Smith in the film, which is inspired by a terrifying true story. Day plays Ebony, a mother who fights for her life, her faith, and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.
In addition to directing the film, Daniels wrote the script with David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum and Thomas Westfall. He also produces the project under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner with Pam Williams, alongside Tucker Tooley through Tooley Entertainment and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites via Turn Left Productions. Executive producers are Greg Renker, Hilary Shor, Gregoire Gensollen, Jackie Shenoo.
Netflix nabbed the rights to the...
The group joins previously announced stars Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin and Tasha Smith in the film, which is inspired by a terrifying true story. Day plays Ebony, a mother who fights for her life, her faith, and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.
In addition to directing the film, Daniels wrote the script with David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum and Thomas Westfall. He also produces the project under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner with Pam Williams, alongside Tucker Tooley through Tooley Entertainment and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites via Turn Left Productions. Executive producers are Greg Renker, Hilary Shor, Gregoire Gensollen, Jackie Shenoo.
Netflix nabbed the rights to the...
- 7/14/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Omar Epps, Demi Singleton, Miss Lawrence and Anthony B. Jenkins have joined the cast of The Deliverance from director Lee Daniels.
The Netflix film earlier added Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin and Tasha Smith. Daniels directed Miss Lawrence in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, the biopic about the jazz icon.
The faith-based film marks a creative departure for Daniels. Inspired by a true story, The Deliverance portrays a mother fighting for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.
The Deliverance is written by David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum, Daniels and Thomas Westfall. The producer credits are shared by Tucker Tooley through Tooley Entertainment, Lee Daniels and Pam Williams for Lee Daniels Entertainment and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites for Turn Left Productions.
And Greg Renker,...
Omar Epps, Demi Singleton, Miss Lawrence and Anthony B. Jenkins have joined the cast of The Deliverance from director Lee Daniels.
The Netflix film earlier added Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin and Tasha Smith. Daniels directed Miss Lawrence in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, the biopic about the jazz icon.
The faith-based film marks a creative departure for Daniels. Inspired by a true story, The Deliverance portrays a mother fighting for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence.
The Deliverance is written by David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum, Daniels and Thomas Westfall. The producer credits are shared by Tucker Tooley through Tooley Entertainment, Lee Daniels and Pam Williams for Lee Daniels Entertainment and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites for Turn Left Productions.
And Greg Renker,...
- 7/14/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Omar Epps (Fatal Affair), Demi Singleton (King Richard), Miss Lawrence (Bros) and Anthony B. Jenkins (Chicago Med) have signed on for roles in Lee Daniels’ Netflix film The Deliverance, formerly titled Demon House. They join an ensemble that also includes Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLaughlin and Tasha Smith, as previously announced.
The Deliverance watches as a mother fights for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence. Details on the characters to be played by the newest additions to the cast haven’t been disclosed.
The Deliverance was scripted by David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum, Daniels and Thomas Westfall. Tucker Tooley is producing through Tooley Entertainment, along with Daniels and Pam Williams through Lee Daniels Entertainment, and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites through Turn Left Productions. Executive producers on the project include Greg Renker,...
The Deliverance watches as a mother fights for her life, her faith and the souls of her children after discovering their new home is haunted by a demonic presence. Details on the characters to be played by the newest additions to the cast haven’t been disclosed.
The Deliverance was scripted by David Coggeshall, Elijah Bynum, Daniels and Thomas Westfall. Tucker Tooley is producing through Tooley Entertainment, along with Daniels and Pam Williams through Lee Daniels Entertainment, and Jackson Nguyen and Todd Crites through Turn Left Productions. Executive producers on the project include Greg Renker,...
- 7/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Buyers flock to genre slate starring Gerard Butler, Rosamund Pike, Julia Stiles.
Sierra/Affinity has reported a strong response to its EFM genre sales slate and has closed key territories on Rosamund Pike thriller Rich Flu, action thriller Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera starring Gerard Butler and Orphan: First Kill, the prequel to Dark Castle horror film Orphan.
Buyers on Rich Flu include Square One for Germany, Sun Distribution Group for Latin America, Originals Factory for France, Scanbox for Scandinavia, Watcha for South Korea, and Cai Chang for Taiwan.
In other deals the thriller has gone in Switzerland (Ascot...
Sierra/Affinity has reported a strong response to its EFM genre sales slate and has closed key territories on Rosamund Pike thriller Rich Flu, action thriller Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera starring Gerard Butler and Orphan: First Kill, the prequel to Dark Castle horror film Orphan.
Buyers on Rich Flu include Square One for Germany, Sun Distribution Group for Latin America, Originals Factory for France, Scanbox for Scandinavia, Watcha for South Korea, and Cai Chang for Taiwan.
In other deals the thriller has gone in Switzerland (Ascot...
- 4/5/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Lee Daniels and Mo’Nique again demonstrated that they’ve moved on from their longtime feud on Friday night, with the former crashing a New York comedy event put on by his Precious star, and teasing their upcoming collaboration on the Netflix film, Demon House.
“I am so sorry for hurting you in any way that I did. Y’all, and she was my best friend—my best friend,” Daniels told those in the Staten audience for Mo’Nique’s show, “Mo’Nique and Friends: April Fools Day with The Queen of Comedy.” “Y’all think that Precious was just…That was God working through both of us. And we’re gonna f***ing do it again!”
Daniels then told Mo’Nique he loves her, with Mo’Nique making it clear that the feeling was mutual.
While Daniels and Mo’Nique famously collaborated on the 2009 film Precious, with the latter landing...
“I am so sorry for hurting you in any way that I did. Y’all, and she was my best friend—my best friend,” Daniels told those in the Staten audience for Mo’Nique’s show, “Mo’Nique and Friends: April Fools Day with The Queen of Comedy.” “Y’all think that Precious was just…That was God working through both of us. And we’re gonna f***ing do it again!”
Daniels then told Mo’Nique he loves her, with Mo’Nique making it clear that the feeling was mutual.
While Daniels and Mo’Nique famously collaborated on the 2009 film Precious, with the latter landing...
- 4/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: After not speaking for 13 years, Oscar-winning Precious star Mo’Nique has been set by that film’s director Lee Daniels to replace Octavia Spencer in Demon House, an exorcism film package that Netflix acquired after a brisk auction in January. Spencer had to bow out of the star-studded film because of a scheduling conflict with her Apple TV+ television show Truth Be Told.
Mo’Nique, who last worked with Daniels in the celebrated 2009 film Precious that brought her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, will take over the role of a clergy member who helps a family through a series of exorcisms. Demon House reunites Daniels with Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Glenn Close, Don’t Look Up‘s Rob Morgan, Stranger Things‘ Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis, latter of whom is fresh from an Oscar nomination for King Richard.
At a...
Mo’Nique, who last worked with Daniels in the celebrated 2009 film Precious that brought her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, will take over the role of a clergy member who helps a family through a series of exorcisms. Demon House reunites Daniels with Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Glenn Close, Don’t Look Up‘s Rob Morgan, Stranger Things‘ Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis, latter of whom is fresh from an Oscar nomination for King Richard.
At a...
- 4/1/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The new live production “Blue’s Clues and You! Live on Stage” will embark on its U.S. tour this fall, Nickelodeon and Round Room Live announced Tuesday. The interactive show is based on the pre-school series “Blue’s Clues and You” and will feature Blue, Josh, and their friends Magenta and Rainbow Puppy in an original musical story.
“We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon by bringing one of the foremost franchises in kids’ entertainment to the stage in Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage,’” said Round Room Live co-president Stephen Shaw, who is producing the tour. “’Blue’s Clues’ is an iconic show that has captivated and educated children for years. We couldn’t be more excited to share our love of ‘Blue’s Clues’ with the next generation of fans in a memorable experience for the whole family.”
TV series host Josh Dela Cruz will join...
“We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon by bringing one of the foremost franchises in kids’ entertainment to the stage in Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage,’” said Round Room Live co-president Stephen Shaw, who is producing the tour. “’Blue’s Clues’ is an iconic show that has captivated and educated children for years. We couldn’t be more excited to share our love of ‘Blue’s Clues’ with the next generation of fans in a memorable experience for the whole family.”
TV series host Josh Dela Cruz will join...
- 3/8/2022
- by Sasha Urban and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Forbes Entertainment and Entertainment One have partnered to produce multiple projects based on the alleged bitcoin laundering operation of Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein, the companies announced Wednesday.
As reported by The New York Times, Morgan and Lichtenstein were arrested on Feb. 8 under charges relating to a 2016 hack of the Bitcoin virtual currency exchange. The two reportedly stole over 120,000 Bitcoin assets, and then laundered the cryptocurrency through fake identities and online accounts. The two stand accused of laundering around $3.6 billion in Bitcoin. Prior to being arrested, Morgan worked in financial journalism, and from 2017 to 2021 was a contributor for the ForbesWomen vertical on Forbes.com.
Forbes and eOne’s projects will be based on Forbes’ reporting on the couple. Under the partnership, the companies have begun production on a documentary film about Morgan and Lichtenstein, which is executive produced by Geno McDermott and Jordan Rosenblum for Blackfin, a subsidiary of eOne.
As reported by The New York Times, Morgan and Lichtenstein were arrested on Feb. 8 under charges relating to a 2016 hack of the Bitcoin virtual currency exchange. The two reportedly stole over 120,000 Bitcoin assets, and then laundered the cryptocurrency through fake identities and online accounts. The two stand accused of laundering around $3.6 billion in Bitcoin. Prior to being arrested, Morgan worked in financial journalism, and from 2017 to 2021 was a contributor for the ForbesWomen vertical on Forbes.com.
Forbes and eOne’s projects will be based on Forbes’ reporting on the couple. Under the partnership, the companies have begun production on a documentary film about Morgan and Lichtenstein, which is executive produced by Geno McDermott and Jordan Rosenblum for Blackfin, a subsidiary of eOne.
- 2/16/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Action sequel Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera is gearing up for a late spring shoot in Serbia and France, we can reveal.
Gerard Butler (Angel Has Fallen), O’Shea Jackson Jr (Straight Outta Compton) and Meadow Williams (Boss Level) are back for the sequel and will be joined by Swen Temmel (After), while Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is expected to join as a producer.
Butler returns as Big Nick (Butler), this time on the hunt in Europe for Donnie (Jackson Jr.) who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange.
Christian Gudegast returns as writer-director. As he did before the first film, we hear Gudegast has researched for the project by spending time with notorious thieves and the investigators that hunt them.
Sierra/Affinity is continuing international sales at the...
Gerard Butler (Angel Has Fallen), O’Shea Jackson Jr (Straight Outta Compton) and Meadow Williams (Boss Level) are back for the sequel and will be joined by Swen Temmel (After), while Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is expected to join as a producer.
Butler returns as Big Nick (Butler), this time on the hunt in Europe for Donnie (Jackson Jr.) who is embroiled in the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia as they plot a massive heist of the world’s biggest diamond exchange.
Christian Gudegast returns as writer-director. As he did before the first film, we hear Gudegast has researched for the project by spending time with notorious thieves and the investigators that hunt them.
Sierra/Affinity is continuing international sales at the...
- 2/2/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin, Aunjanue Ellis.
Netflix has reportedly paid in the region of $65m for Lee Daniel’s upcoming exorcism film that reunites the filmmaker with Andra Day, his Oscar-nominated star of The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and King Richard star and awards contender Aunjanue Ellis. Day will portray an Indiana woman whose children appear to be demonically possessed.
The screenplay is inspired by events in 2011-12 that involved Indiana mother Latoya Ammons and her three children. After they moved into...
Netflix has reportedly paid in the region of $65m for Lee Daniel’s upcoming exorcism film that reunites the filmmaker with Andra Day, his Oscar-nominated star of The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The cast includes Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and King Richard star and awards contender Aunjanue Ellis. Day will portray an Indiana woman whose children appear to be demonically possessed.
The screenplay is inspired by events in 2011-12 that involved Indiana mother Latoya Ammons and her three children. After they moved into...
- 1/24/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The devil got into Hollywood this weekend as seven bidders waged a head-spinning auction battle for a star-studded exorcism movie package that was won late last night by Netflix.
Lee Daniels will direct, reuniting with his Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis. Day will play the mother of an Indiana family whose children purportedly became demonically possessed in a thriller inspired by an actual case. Sources tell Deadline that the package closed upward of $65 million, covering the film’s budget and buyouts. Daniels, Tucker Tooley and Pam Williams are producing. It is fast-tracked to begin production by the middle of this year.
In a case widely covered at the time, Latoya Ammons and her three children experienced strange incidents in their Gary, In, home that grew progressively worse, with the children levitating,...
Lee Daniels will direct, reuniting with his Oscar-nominated The United States vs. Billie Holiday star Andra Day, who’ll star with Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Rob Morgan, Caleb McLaughlin and Aunjanue Ellis. Day will play the mother of an Indiana family whose children purportedly became demonically possessed in a thriller inspired by an actual case. Sources tell Deadline that the package closed upward of $65 million, covering the film’s budget and buyouts. Daniels, Tucker Tooley and Pam Williams are producing. It is fast-tracked to begin production by the middle of this year.
In a case widely covered at the time, Latoya Ammons and her three children experienced strange incidents in their Gary, In, home that grew progressively worse, with the children levitating,...
- 1/24/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A new documentary is in the works exploring the mysterious founder of Bitcoin and the larger state of cryptocurrency.
Director Matthew Miele will helm the project, titled “Finding Satoshi.” The film will investigate the origins of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, whose identity and invention remains secret.
Tucker Tooley, the veteran filmmaker behind movies like “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and “Den of Thieves,” will produce. Bestselling author William Cohan will interview notable experts on the topic, as well as executive produce with Greg Renker. The film aims to be the most comprehensive work examining cryptocurrency to date.
“With Matthew at the helm and Bill’s investigative complexity and nuance added to the mix, we are thrilled to start the hunt for answers about Satoshi Nakamoto and examine the rise of perhaps the greatest challenge to our financial world order as we know it,” said Tooley.
Cohan...
Director Matthew Miele will helm the project, titled “Finding Satoshi.” The film will investigate the origins of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, whose identity and invention remains secret.
Tucker Tooley, the veteran filmmaker behind movies like “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and “Den of Thieves,” will produce. Bestselling author William Cohan will interview notable experts on the topic, as well as executive produce with Greg Renker. The film aims to be the most comprehensive work examining cryptocurrency to date.
“With Matthew at the helm and Bill’s investigative complexity and nuance added to the mix, we are thrilled to start the hunt for answers about Satoshi Nakamoto and examine the rise of perhaps the greatest challenge to our financial world order as we know it,” said Tooley.
Cohan...
- 12/3/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood is full of filmmaking collectives — camps of creative people who met at the bottom and carry each other, hopefully, to great heights.
Particularly sacred (and occasionally fraught) is the relationship between producer and director, a delicate balance of trust and honesty. Approaching nearly 20 years in that dynamic are Oscar nominee Lee Daniels and producer Tucker Tooley.
Having met in the early aughts, the pair just released the Golden Globe-winning “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” at Hulu, and is prepping for the April 2 release of the TIFF player “Concrete Cowboy” with Idris Elba at Netflix.
While studio jobs and streaming riches have come to them more recently, they met as fringe players trying to make a film about the life of actor Montgomery Clift, which never materialized. That led to Daniels’ 2005 directorial debut “Shadowboxer,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren.
During a recent sit-down with Variety, Daniels and...
Particularly sacred (and occasionally fraught) is the relationship between producer and director, a delicate balance of trust and honesty. Approaching nearly 20 years in that dynamic are Oscar nominee Lee Daniels and producer Tucker Tooley.
Having met in the early aughts, the pair just released the Golden Globe-winning “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” at Hulu, and is prepping for the April 2 release of the TIFF player “Concrete Cowboy” with Idris Elba at Netflix.
While studio jobs and streaming riches have come to them more recently, they met as fringe players trying to make a film about the life of actor Montgomery Clift, which never materialized. That led to Daniels’ 2005 directorial debut “Shadowboxer,” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Helen Mirren.
During a recent sit-down with Variety, Daniels and...
- 3/30/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has released the official trailer for the upcoming father-son drama “Concrete Cowboy,” which will begin streaming on April 2.
Inspired by the novel “Ghetto Cowboy” by G. Neri and the real-life Fletcher Street cowboys, the film follows a troubled teen (Caleb McLaughlin) who is caught between a life of crime and his estranged father’s (Idris Elba) vibrant urban-cowboy subculture in North Philadelphia. Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, Clifford “Method Man” Smith and members of the Fletcher Street Stables also co-star in the film.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. In an interview during the festival, Elba told Variety that the history around Black cowboys has been misconstrued for a long time.
“It feels really apt to be able to tell a part history that’s been definitely buried, and in the case of ‘Concrete Cowboy,’ that history is right now,” Elba said.
Inspired by the novel “Ghetto Cowboy” by G. Neri and the real-life Fletcher Street cowboys, the film follows a troubled teen (Caleb McLaughlin) who is caught between a life of crime and his estranged father’s (Idris Elba) vibrant urban-cowboy subculture in North Philadelphia. Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, Clifford “Method Man” Smith and members of the Fletcher Street Stables also co-star in the film.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. In an interview during the festival, Elba told Variety that the history around Black cowboys has been misconstrued for a long time.
“It feels really apt to be able to tell a part history that’s been definitely buried, and in the case of ‘Concrete Cowboy,’ that history is right now,” Elba said.
- 3/16/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
"Only way you can realize its true spirit is through love." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for an indie drama titled Concrete Cowboy, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year. Inspired by the novel "Ghetto Cowboy" by G. Neri, Concrete Cowboy is directed by first-time feature filmmaker Ricky Staub; and produced by Tucker Tooley, Lee Daniels, Idris Elba, Dan Walser, Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff. A teen discovers a world of urban horseback riding when he moves in with his estranged father in North Philly. Starring Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, and Clifford "Method Man" Smith. Along with members of the Fletcher Street Stables. It's a "moving father-son drama about a teen caught between a life of crime and his estranged father’s vibrant urban-cowboy subculture." This is a fantastic trailer, with an exceptional performance from McLaughlin as the young Cole. Here's the...
- 3/16/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Ricky Staub’s stirring father-son drama “Concrete Drama,” in which Idris Elba plays a father struggling to reconnect with his estranged son, first premiered way back at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The movie also would’ve played Telluride in 2020 had that festival not been canceled. It’s finally coming to Netflix on April 2, and the streaming giant has debuted the official trailer ahead of its debut.
Netflix’s official synopsis for “Concrete Cowboy” reads: “When 15-year-old Cole (‘Stranger Things’ actor Caleb McLaughlin) is expelled from school in Detroit, he is sent to North Philadelphia to live with Harp (Idris Elba), his estranged father. Harp finds solace in rehabilitating horses for inner city cowboys at the Fletcher Street Stables, a real-life black urban horsemanship community that has provided a safe haven for the neighborhood residents for more than 100 years. Torn between his growing respect for his father’s...
Netflix’s official synopsis for “Concrete Cowboy” reads: “When 15-year-old Cole (‘Stranger Things’ actor Caleb McLaughlin) is expelled from school in Detroit, he is sent to North Philadelphia to live with Harp (Idris Elba), his estranged father. Harp finds solace in rehabilitating horses for inner city cowboys at the Fletcher Street Stables, a real-life black urban horsemanship community that has provided a safe haven for the neighborhood residents for more than 100 years. Torn between his growing respect for his father’s...
- 3/16/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Hulu’s dramatic retelling of the “Strange Fruit” singer’s battle against the federal government, originated as a single chapter in Johann Hari’s 2015 book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.
When tapped by director Lee Daniels to pen the script, Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks transformed Hari’s pages into a screenplay that would weave Holiday’s hits into the scenes featuring Andra Day as the prolific jazz singer. “Suzan-Lori Parks exquisitely structured the songs to tell the story so each song moves our story ahead and tells the situation that we’re in,” Daniels said. “As the story is unfolding, each song is representative of the situation that Billie was going through.”
The United States vs. Billie Holiday takes place in the 1940s in New York and follows Holiday, who is targeted by the federal...
When tapped by director Lee Daniels to pen the script, Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks transformed Hari’s pages into a screenplay that would weave Holiday’s hits into the scenes featuring Andra Day as the prolific jazz singer. “Suzan-Lori Parks exquisitely structured the songs to tell the story so each song moves our story ahead and tells the situation that we’re in,” Daniels said. “As the story is unfolding, each song is representative of the situation that Billie was going through.”
The United States vs. Billie Holiday takes place in the 1940s in New York and follows Holiday, who is targeted by the federal...
- 3/4/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Sierra/Affinity continues to handle international sales
Hulu has confirmed February 26 as the awards-qualifying US debut of The United States vs Billie Holiday, a relatively late awards season entry that is generating strong buzz for Andra Day’s performance as the celebrated jazz singer.
Paramount had been set to distribute until financier New Slate Ventures recognised the current pandemic landscape, in which roughly 40% of US cinemas are open, was unsuitable for a theatrical launch.
A deal was struck with Hulu in December and the film will debut solely on the platform in the US, with no theatrical component. Paramount previously set a February 26 release date.
Hulu has confirmed February 26 as the awards-qualifying US debut of The United States vs Billie Holiday, a relatively late awards season entry that is generating strong buzz for Andra Day’s performance as the celebrated jazz singer.
Paramount had been set to distribute until financier New Slate Ventures recognised the current pandemic landscape, in which roughly 40% of US cinemas are open, was unsuitable for a theatrical launch.
A deal was struck with Hulu in December and the film will debut solely on the platform in the US, with no theatrical component. Paramount previously set a February 26 release date.
- 1/11/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Andra Day is singing jazz and feeling the blues in the first trailer for “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” In the clip, it seems the whole world is against Holiday, with the government trying to prevent her from performing her iconic song “Strange Fruit.” But as she vehemently declares, she’ll sing “what the f— I want.”
Lee Daniels’ biopic on Holiday charts the tumultuous legal battle in which she became the target of an undercover narcotics sting operation led by Jimmy Fletcher, the man with whom she had an affair. “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” named after the 1947 court case against her, is inspired by the singer’s life story and her struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreak.
Though it was originally meant to be a theatrical release from Paramount, Hulu has officially acquired the U.S. rights to the film. The first trailer dropped on Monday...
Lee Daniels’ biopic on Holiday charts the tumultuous legal battle in which she became the target of an undercover narcotics sting operation led by Jimmy Fletcher, the man with whom she had an affair. “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” named after the 1947 court case against her, is inspired by the singer’s life story and her struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreak.
Though it was originally meant to be a theatrical release from Paramount, Hulu has officially acquired the U.S. rights to the film. The first trailer dropped on Monday...
- 1/11/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed and increasingly relevant political drama The Trial of the Chicago 7, which revolves around the raucous trial of a group of protesters accused of disrupting the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention, took a leading four awards including best picture at the just concluded 25th annual Capri, Hollywood – The International Film Festival. If past winners at this Italian fest are any indication, the victories should give the Netflix film a boost stateside during Oscar season.
The DreamWorks production, originally put in motion 14 years ago by Steven Spielberg and written and directed by Sorkin, was originally set to be released by Paramount before the coronavirus pandemic turned the exhibition business on its heels and shut theaters — especially in key cities like New York and Los Angeles. It premiered on Netflix in October.
The film also took Capri awards for Sacha Baron Cohen as best supporting actor, film editing and a...
The DreamWorks production, originally put in motion 14 years ago by Steven Spielberg and written and directed by Sorkin, was originally set to be released by Paramount before the coronavirus pandemic turned the exhibition business on its heels and shut theaters — especially in key cities like New York and Los Angeles. It premiered on Netflix in October.
The film also took Capri awards for Sacha Baron Cohen as best supporting actor, film editing and a...
- 1/4/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: On this Christmas Eve, we hear that a deal is coming together for Hulu to acquire Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The movie, which stars Andra Day as the legendary jazz singer, is currently scheduled for a theatrical release by Paramount on February 26, 2021, in time for this year’s Oscar season eligibility. However, sources say that deal with the Melrose Ave. studio never closed, and it hasn’t been determined yet whether a Paramount theatrical release will be part of the new deal with Hulu. Details of the deal are not final, but it is expected that Hulu will qualify the film for awards season, which is what Daniels wants. Paramount has trailers ready to go and even worked with the production on re-shoots.
CAA Media Finance is brokering the deal for The United States vs. Billie Holiday. I understand that the new deal is more...
The movie, which stars Andra Day as the legendary jazz singer, is currently scheduled for a theatrical release by Paramount on February 26, 2021, in time for this year’s Oscar season eligibility. However, sources say that deal with the Melrose Ave. studio never closed, and it hasn’t been determined yet whether a Paramount theatrical release will be part of the new deal with Hulu. Details of the deal are not final, but it is expected that Hulu will qualify the film for awards season, which is what Daniels wants. Paramount has trailers ready to go and even worked with the production on re-shoots.
CAA Media Finance is brokering the deal for The United States vs. Billie Holiday. I understand that the new deal is more...
- 12/24/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Simu Liu has landed his first project after wrapping Marvel Studios’ forthcoming Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The actor is attached to join Mark Wahlberg in Arthur the King, directed by Simon Cellan Jones, who is stepping in to helm the adventure pic after Baltasar Kormakur exited due to scheduling conflicts.
The film from Entertainment One and Tucker Tooley Entertainment is based on the 2017 book Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord. Michael Brandt adapted the book, and production is set to begin in January in the Dominican Republic.
Ali Suliman and Rob Collins also have joined the cast.
Sierra/Affinity launched sales for Arthur the King at the virtual Cannes market this year, when Lionsgate was set to handle the film on a domestic front. Lionsgate took over the reins after Paramount Players bowed out. Deadline also...
The film from Entertainment One and Tucker Tooley Entertainment is based on the 2017 book Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord. Michael Brandt adapted the book, and production is set to begin in January in the Dominican Republic.
Ali Suliman and Rob Collins also have joined the cast.
Sierra/Affinity launched sales for Arthur the King at the virtual Cannes market this year, when Lionsgate was set to handle the film on a domestic front. Lionsgate took over the reins after Paramount Players bowed out. Deadline also...
- 12/16/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to “Concrete Cowboy,” which stars Idris Elba, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. The film, based on the novel “Ghetto Cowboy” by G. Neri, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) in September. The streamer is eyeing a 2021 release date.
“Concrete Cowboy” also stars “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, and Clifford “Method Man” Smith.
“Concrete Cowboy” is directed by Ricky Staub, from a script written by Staub and Dan Walser. The film follows a 15-year-old boy (McLaughlin) who is sent to live with his estranged father in Philadelphia, where he learns about the local urban cowboy community. Jerome plays Smush, who used to be a rider but became involved in the drug trade.
In his TIFF review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond said, “Concrete Cowboy” is an urban drama, but it’s also a...
“Concrete Cowboy” also stars “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, Lorraine Toussaint, and Clifford “Method Man” Smith.
“Concrete Cowboy” is directed by Ricky Staub, from a script written by Staub and Dan Walser. The film follows a 15-year-old boy (McLaughlin) who is sent to live with his estranged father in Philadelphia, where he learns about the local urban cowboy community. Jerome plays Smush, who used to be a rider but became involved in the drug trade.
In his TIFF review of the film, TheWrap’s Steve Pond said, “Concrete Cowboy” is an urban drama, but it’s also a...
- 10/26/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Deadline has confirmed that Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Ricky Staub’s feature directorial debut Concrete Cowboy starring Idris Elba and Stranger Things breakout Caleb McLaughlin. A release date has not been set, but it’s looking like 2021.
The father-son drama made its world premiere at TIFF last month, is set amongst the North Philadelphia urban cowboy subculture, inspired by the real-life Fletcher Street Stables – a black urban horsemanship community – and by the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri.
The story follows 15 year-old Cole (McLaughlin) who is taken to live with his estranged father Harp (Elba). Torn between his growing respect for his father’s community at the stables and his re-emerging friendship with his troubled cousin, Cole begins to re-prioritize his life as the stables themselves are threatened by encroaching gentrification.
Lee Daniels, Tucker Tooley, Jeff G. Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff produced the feature with Elba and Walser.
Greg Renker,...
The father-son drama made its world premiere at TIFF last month, is set amongst the North Philadelphia urban cowboy subculture, inspired by the real-life Fletcher Street Stables – a black urban horsemanship community – and by the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri.
The story follows 15 year-old Cole (McLaughlin) who is taken to live with his estranged father Harp (Elba). Torn between his growing respect for his father’s community at the stables and his re-emerging friendship with his troubled cousin, Cole begins to re-prioritize his life as the stables themselves are threatened by encroaching gentrification.
Lee Daniels, Tucker Tooley, Jeff G. Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff produced the feature with Elba and Walser.
Greg Renker,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
As everyone knows, at least for the past several years, the fall festival circuit has been the quartet that sets the template for the movie awards season, leading all the way up to Oscar. It is known as the six-month season, a wearying ride for those in major contention. But the coronavirus pandemic has changed all the rules this season, upending the whole way these things work, and sending the 2021 Oscars to its latest date ever, April 25.
Eligibility now is 14 months, extending from January 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021, and also sending release schedules into an ever-evolving game of musical chairs. The Festivals, beginning with Cannes in May, have been shell-shocked, with both Cannes and Telluride forced to just issue press releases with the list of movies they had accepted but were unable to actually show because of the cancellation of both iconic fests.
Venice, which will announce its winners this weekend,...
Eligibility now is 14 months, extending from January 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021, and also sending release schedules into an ever-evolving game of musical chairs. The Festivals, beginning with Cannes in May, have been shell-shocked, with both Cannes and Telluride forced to just issue press releases with the list of movies they had accepted but were unable to actually show because of the cancellation of both iconic fests.
Venice, which will announce its winners this weekend,...
- 9/12/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Forget a one-horse town: “Concrete Cowboy” premiered in front of a more than 50-car audience at a special screening in Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday night in the Hotel Figueroa parking lot.
Ahead of the screening, the film’s producer Lee Daniels and writer-director Ricky Staub took the stage to celebrate launching the movie in this unconventional, yet innovative, way. It will have its official Toronto International Film Festival premiere on Sept. 13.
“Tucker Tooley and I want to thank Cameron Bailey and everybody at TIFF for inviting us here under these very unique circumstances,” Daniels said, encouraging the crowd to honk in approval. “We’re in some dark and ugly times; this is some crazy, apocalyptic crazy, s— that’s going on that I don’t even know whether our grandkids will be able to appreciate. … And this movie is beautiful. It’s light in the midst of all this darkness,...
Ahead of the screening, the film’s producer Lee Daniels and writer-director Ricky Staub took the stage to celebrate launching the movie in this unconventional, yet innovative, way. It will have its official Toronto International Film Festival premiere on Sept. 13.
“Tucker Tooley and I want to thank Cameron Bailey and everybody at TIFF for inviting us here under these very unique circumstances,” Daniels said, encouraging the crowd to honk in approval. “We’re in some dark and ugly times; this is some crazy, apocalyptic crazy, s— that’s going on that I don’t even know whether our grandkids will be able to appreciate. … And this movie is beautiful. It’s light in the midst of all this darkness,...
- 9/12/2020
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Ricky Staub thought he was hallucinating.
When he looked outside his office window, he saw a horse and buggy making its way down the streets of North Philadelphia like an emissary from another century. But there were details that immediately identified the driver as hailing from this time and place: namely, a subwoofer and speakers blasting rap music and rims with souped-up spinners that wouldn’t have been out of place on a car.
“It was an extraordinary sight,” says Staub, a filmmaker whose production company is located in that section of the City of Brotherly Love. “I thought, ‘What the heck is going on? Am I dreaming?’”
As Staub quickly found out, his office was roughly a mile from the Fletcher Street stables, a nonprofit organization that’s been dedicated to inner-city horsemanship for 100 years. The writer and director became convinced that the group and its unlikely celebration of...
When he looked outside his office window, he saw a horse and buggy making its way down the streets of North Philadelphia like an emissary from another century. But there were details that immediately identified the driver as hailing from this time and place: namely, a subwoofer and speakers blasting rap music and rims with souped-up spinners that wouldn’t have been out of place on a car.
“It was an extraordinary sight,” says Staub, a filmmaker whose production company is located in that section of the City of Brotherly Love. “I thought, ‘What the heck is going on? Am I dreaming?’”
As Staub quickly found out, his office was roughly a mile from the Fletcher Street stables, a nonprofit organization that’s been dedicated to inner-city horsemanship for 100 years. The writer and director became convinced that the group and its unlikely celebration of...
- 9/9/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Jonathan Kier hails indie buyer response during ”incredibly productive” market.
Sierra/Affinity has finalised a raft of major territory deals on its Cannes virtual market slate in the latest encouraging show of strength by independent international buyers.
Sierra/Affinity president Jonathan Kier noted a “robust and enthusiastic” reaction from distributors to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, Arthur The King, and Greatest Days.
Rights to Lee Daniels’ The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which is in post-production and will get an Oscar-qualifying Us release via Paramount in the upcoming awards cycle, have gone to eOne in the UK and Spain,...
Sierra/Affinity has finalised a raft of major territory deals on its Cannes virtual market slate in the latest encouraging show of strength by independent international buyers.
Sierra/Affinity president Jonathan Kier noted a “robust and enthusiastic” reaction from distributors to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, Arthur The King, and Greatest Days.
Rights to Lee Daniels’ The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which is in post-production and will get an Oscar-qualifying Us release via Paramount in the upcoming awards cycle, have gone to eOne in the UK and Spain,...
- 7/13/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Pictures on Wednesday acquired the rights to release Lee Daniels’ next film, “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” a biographical film that stars Andra Day as the legendary jazz singer, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The movie follows Holiday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. The film is inspired by Holiday’s life story, and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” examines the singer’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Endeavor Content sold the film through the Cannes virtual market after Sierra/Affinity presented a preview of the film to international buyers.
Also Read: Lee Daniels to Direct Superhero Comic 'Stealth' From 'Walking Dead' Creators at Universal
Day stars alongside Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, Trevante Rhodes and Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
The movie follows Holiday as she’s being targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. The film is inspired by Holiday’s life story, and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” examines the singer’s struggles with addiction, fame and heartbreaking love.
Endeavor Content sold the film through the Cannes virtual market after Sierra/Affinity presented a preview of the film to international buyers.
Also Read: Lee Daniels to Direct Superhero Comic 'Stealth' From 'Walking Dead' Creators at Universal
Day stars alongside Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, Trevante Rhodes and Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
- 7/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Paramount Pictures has scooped up the first feature film made by director Lee Daniels in nearly a decade, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”
Sold by Endeavor Content in an eight-figure deal out of Cannes’ big-spending virtual market, the project follows the dramatic true story of the Federal Department of Narcotics targeting the jazz legend with a sting operation. Sierra Affinity brought the project to market.
Grammy winner Andra Day stars as Holiday, with supporting turns from Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight”), Garrett Hedlund (“Country Strong”) and Natasha Lyonne.
“One of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, Holiday spent much of her career being adored by fans across the globe, all while federal agents targeted her with an undercover sting operation aimed at prohibiting her from singing the controversial song ‘Strange Fruit,'” read a sales announcement obtained by Variety. The song is widely known as a “call to action that...
Sold by Endeavor Content in an eight-figure deal out of Cannes’ big-spending virtual market, the project follows the dramatic true story of the Federal Department of Narcotics targeting the jazz legend with a sting operation. Sierra Affinity brought the project to market.
Grammy winner Andra Day stars as Holiday, with supporting turns from Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight”), Garrett Hedlund (“Country Strong”) and Natasha Lyonne.
“One of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, Holiday spent much of her career being adored by fans across the globe, all while federal agents targeted her with an undercover sting operation aimed at prohibiting her from singing the controversial song ‘Strange Fruit,'” read a sales announcement obtained by Variety. The song is widely known as a “call to action that...
- 7/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Drama to chronicle celebrated jazz singer’s struggles with fame, addiction, love.
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in what was believed to be a deal in the region of $8m on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity screened a promo last week and were fielding multiple international offers on the drama. International interest is expected to intensify now on what has emerged as one of the big independent hits of the market.
The plan is for Paramount to release wide in...
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in what was believed to be a deal in the region of $8m on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity screened a promo last week and were fielding multiple international offers on the drama. International interest is expected to intensify now on what has emerged as one of the big independent hits of the market.
The plan is for Paramount to release wide in...
- 7/2/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Drama to chronicle celebrated jazz singer’s struggles with fame, addiction, love.
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in a deal believed to be in the high seven figures on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity screened a promo last week and were fielding multiple international offers on the drama. International interest is expected to intensify now on what has emerged as one of the big independent hits of the market.
The plan is for Paramount to release wide in the Us...
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in a deal believed to be in the high seven figures on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity screened a promo last week and were fielding multiple international offers on the drama. International interest is expected to intensify now on what has emerged as one of the big independent hits of the market.
The plan is for Paramount to release wide in the Us...
- 7/2/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Drama to chronicle celebrated jazz singer’s struggles with fame, addiction, love.
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in a deal believed to be in the $8m region on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity were fielding multiple international offers on the drama at time of writing. That company and Endeavor Content, who jointly represented Us rights with executive producer Cassian Elwes, introduced the project to buyers last week. Other buyers including 101 Studios had been circling Us rights.
The timely story...
Paramount has acquired Us rights to Lee Daniels’ hot Cannes virtual market package The United States Vs. Billie Holiday in a deal believed to be in the $8m region on Wednesday evening (July 1).
Jonathan Kier and his team at Sierra/Affinity were fielding multiple international offers on the drama at time of writing. That company and Endeavor Content, who jointly represented Us rights with executive producer Cassian Elwes, introduced the project to buyers last week. Other buyers including 101 Studios had been circling Us rights.
The timely story...
- 7/2/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Another major sale coming out of the Virtual Cannes Market. Paramount Pictures has won North American rights to The United States Vs. Bilie Holiday, with Lee Daniels directing, producing, co-writing the script on the legendary jazz singer. Andra Day (Marshall) plays the iconic singer and Suzan-Lori Parkes wrote the script. Studio made an 8-figure commitment. It’s a big picture for Paramount at a time when the studio just as it tapped Emma Watts to be Motion Picture Group President.
The deal happened after Sierra/Affinity unveiled four minutes of footage to international buyers, and that sparked a strong pursuit by studios with Focus Features, Sony and 101 Studios, and it came down to 101 and Paramount. The picture is in post-production, and the plan is for it to be a major awards season release in the upcoming season. The international markets are expected to sell out quickly. The North...
The deal happened after Sierra/Affinity unveiled four minutes of footage to international buyers, and that sparked a strong pursuit by studios with Focus Features, Sony and 101 Studios, and it came down to 101 and Paramount. The picture is in post-production, and the plan is for it to be a major awards season release in the upcoming season. The international markets are expected to sell out quickly. The North...
- 7/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales of Lee Daniels’ “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” starring Andra Day as the iconic jazz singer, at the upcoming Cannes Virtual Market.
The biopic focuses on Holiday being targeted by federal agents with an undercover sting operation aimed at prohibiting her from singing her controversial 1939 song, “Strange Fruit,” which protested the lynchings of Black Americans. “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” is inspired by the 2015 New York Time’s Bestseller “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs” written by Johann Hari.
“With the world’s eyes forced to look at the centuries-old oppression of Black people, I hope ‘The United States Vs. Billie Holiday’ will add to this important conversation by shining a light on systemic racism and social injustice,” Daniels said. “I also feel that in this time of great reckoning it is essential we celebrate...
The biopic focuses on Holiday being targeted by federal agents with an undercover sting operation aimed at prohibiting her from singing her controversial 1939 song, “Strange Fruit,” which protested the lynchings of Black Americans. “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” is inspired by the 2015 New York Time’s Bestseller “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs” written by Johann Hari.
“With the world’s eyes forced to look at the centuries-old oppression of Black people, I hope ‘The United States Vs. Billie Holiday’ will add to this important conversation by shining a light on systemic racism and social injustice,” Daniels said. “I also feel that in this time of great reckoning it is essential we celebrate...
- 6/20/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
New Slate Ventures, Lee Daniels Entertainment, Roth Kirschenbaum Films among producers.
Sierra/Affinity will kick off talks next week at virtual Cannes on Lee Daniels’ Billie Holiday biopic, a timely project that addresses the Civil Rights movement as race relations dominate the headlines in the Us.
The sales agent represents international rights to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which will star Andra Day (Marshall) as the iconic jazz singer. Endeavor Content and executive producer Cassian Elwes, who produced Daniels’ The Butler, represent Us rights.
Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Garrett Hedlund, and Natasha Lyonne also star.
“With the world’s eyes...
Sierra/Affinity will kick off talks next week at virtual Cannes on Lee Daniels’ Billie Holiday biopic, a timely project that addresses the Civil Rights movement as race relations dominate the headlines in the Us.
The sales agent represents international rights to The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, which will star Andra Day (Marshall) as the iconic jazz singer. Endeavor Content and executive producer Cassian Elwes, who produced Daniels’ The Butler, represent Us rights.
Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Garrett Hedlund, and Natasha Lyonne also star.
“With the world’s eyes...
- 6/20/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Sierra/Affinity will handle international sales of The United States Vs. Bilie Holiday, with Lee Daniels directing, producing, co-writing the script on the legendary jazz singer. Andra Day (Marshall) plays her. Pic will be offered to buyers at Virtual Cannes Film Market.
Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund, Natasha Lyonne, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph also star.
Said Daniels: “With the world’s eyes forced to look at the centuries-old oppression of Black people, I hope The United States Vs. Billie Holiday will add to this important conversation by shining a light on systemic racism and social injustice. I also feel that in this time of great reckoning it is essential we celebrate the life and artistry of an unsung Civil Rights warrior, Billie Holiday.”
The film is being produced by New Slate Ventures, Lee Daniels Entertainment, Roth Kirschenbaum Films with Jordan Fudge, Lee Daniels, Pamela Oas Williams, Tucker Tooley, Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum.
Trevante Rhodes, Garrett Hedlund, Natasha Lyonne, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph also star.
Said Daniels: “With the world’s eyes forced to look at the centuries-old oppression of Black people, I hope The United States Vs. Billie Holiday will add to this important conversation by shining a light on systemic racism and social injustice. I also feel that in this time of great reckoning it is essential we celebrate the life and artistry of an unsung Civil Rights warrior, Billie Holiday.”
The film is being produced by New Slate Ventures, Lee Daniels Entertainment, Roth Kirschenbaum Films with Jordan Fudge, Lee Daniels, Pamela Oas Williams, Tucker Tooley, Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum.
- 6/20/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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